Hartford, CT (April 10, 2012) – Bike Walk Connecticut is pleased to announce that Kelly Kennedy has joined the organization as Executive Director, effective April 2. “We are delighted to have Kelly join us. With her exceptional communications skills, significant experience with other Connecticut non-profits and strong personal interest in fitness and the environment, we believe she is the right person to lead Bike Walk Connecticut’s growth as a statewide organization,” said MaryEllen Thibodeau, President of the Board of Directors. Kelly is a devoted outdoor sports enthusiast with roots in environmental work, public policy, management, communications, and health. She has long been a strong supporter of efforts to develop viable options beyond the car for getting around. "I am thrilled that the idea of car-free mobility is gradually starting to take hold among planners, realtors, government officials, and consumers," Kelly says. "Walking and biking more, and driving less, is good for public health. It's good for the environment. And it's good for the economy. Bike Walk Connecticut's mission is right up my alley, and I'm very excited to join the organization." While serving as the communications director for the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, Kelly helped promote the Complete Streets bill of 2009, as well as other initiatives such as last year's recreational liability reform and vulnerable user legislation. She has worked with a variety of nonprofit organizations in a freelance capacity, doing web design and communications, strategic planning, and event planning. Her previous careers include working as a tax attorney in state government, and before that, running corporate fitness programs. Kelly is a graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Law and of the Pennsylvania State University, where she studied exercise science. She lives in West Hartford. She can be reached at kelly.kennedy@bikewalkct.org or at 860.904.2420.